TWO historic Wellington water towers listed as among the country’s most endangered Victorian buildings are being put up for sale at auction next week.

The water towers in Rockwell Green are described by auctioneers Palace Auctions as a ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire two iconic grade two listed towers’.

A spokesperson said: “With a guide price of £140,000, this lot offers exceptional development potential for investors, heritage enthusiasts, and visionaries seeking a unique project in a thriving Somerset community.”

The twin towers have been owned since 2013 by Croydon-based property developer Anwar Ansari, who bought them when they were being disposed of by Wessex Water.

The spokesperson said the auction on Wednesday (June 24) was a ‘rare and remarkable opportunity’ for discerning buyers.

They said: “The Rockwell Green water towers auction offers an outstanding and unusual development opportunity, subject to obtaining the necessary consents.

“Please note, the land has not been inspected by the auctioneers at the time of advertising.

“Somerset is experiencing growing demand for heritage property, making this a once-in-a-generation lot for the right buyer.”

The sale lot includes both the red brick Victorian tower built in 1885 and its sister Art Deco tower built in 1934-35.

The spokesperson said: “In 2023, the Victorian Society named it among their top ten endangered buildings, highlighting the urgent need for a sustainable future.

“As a proud landmark of Victorian engineering, the tower is a rare and irreplaceable piece of Somerset heritage, offering immense potential for sensitive restoration and creative reuse.

“The Victorian tower stands as a testament to 19th-century public health innovation.

“Built from local red brick, it was constructed in direct response to a severe typhoid epidemic that affected the area.

“The tower’s distinctive conical cap and cockerel weathervane are instantly recognisable, while its elaborate tapered brickwork and circular steel water tank showcase the craftsmanship of the era.

“Standing immediately beside its Victorian counterpart, the Art Deco tower was constructed to meet the growing water demands of Rockwell Green and the surrounding area.

“This circular, four-storey concrete structure embodies the modernist spirit of its time, providing a striking contrast to the red brick Victorian tower.

“Both towers were listed by Historic England in 1987 as part of the same historic site, cementing their status as a unique architectural pairing.

“The Somerset water towers auction brings these two remarkable structures together in a single lot, offering buyers an unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of Somerset’s engineering and architectural history.

“No other property currently on the market matches this combination of heritage, character, and development potential.

“Water tower conversions across the UK have achieved exceptional results, demonstrating the value and appeal of these unique structures.

“Subject to obtaining the necessary planning consents, this site could become an extraordinary home, a premium holiday let, or a creative commercial space, capitalising on the growing demand for unique heritage properties.

“Demand for unusual heritage properties is on the rise, particularly in the Somerset holiday let market, which continues to attract visitors year-round.”